Dragoncrest Cliffs ERESTA

eresta.

even the name evoked imagery of adventure. val's heart stirred as the old wayfarer's song returned, rousing his blood. even after all these sedentary years, the wilderness called to him.

sapphique was strong. val's chest singed with pride to watch the children and adults alike in the swimming contest. some -- like he and kheviel -- stayed behind. he sat besides the crone for company, eyes dancing with amusement as he watched astera and sobeille cavort. he noted astera carried a conch back to the mainland.

he wondered now if this was how erzulie and rosalyn felt, when each of their children forged their own path -- some paths taking them very far from their mothers. he would miss chantale and tousaint terribly. he did his best to hide the worry and sadness in his heart as he hugged them both -- giving tousaint one last tussle of his perfectly preened fur. you stay safe out there, you two. protect one another. he called to them both, before sharing an appreciative glance to coraline. he knew between her and loko, no harm would befall sapphique's children.

thibault remained, watching the congregation depart with heartbreak in his gaze. val waved them off with subtle tears, turning to thibault warmly. it will be okay, thibault. we will visit them in the spring -- would you like that? he looked for mireille then, proud that sapphique's children had been raised so strong that they thirsted for adventure -- but sad too, that their bright faces would no longer warm sapphique's realm.